Dementia vs Normal Aging

What is dementia?

Dementia is a group of neurological conditions that affect cognitive function and are caused by damage or degeneration to parts of the brain ^[1]. There are several types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Alzheimer’s is the most common, with this type of dementia affecting over 60% of people with the condition ^[1][2].

The different types of dementia can cause slightly different symptoms, depending on the part of the brain that becomes damaged, but most types of dementia cause similar symptoms, affecting memory, speech and language, and concentration, as well as sometimes causing movement difficulties and changes in mood and behavior ^[3].

Typically, signs of dementia will start gradually, becoming increasingly worse with time and having increasing impacts on daily functioning ^[2].

Symptoms of dementia include ^[2][3]:

• Memory loss
• Impairments in communication abilities
• Difficulties with decision-making and problem-solving
• Confusion
• Changes in mood and behavior
• Issues with mobility, such as stiffness, slowed movements, and trouble walking

Most types of dementia are more likely to occur after the age of 65, with the risk increasing steadily with age ^[3]. However, dementia is not a normal part of aging, and many people do not experience any signs of dementia as they age, continuing to experience normal or only slightly impaired cognitive functioning throughout their lives ^[4].

What are the signs of normal aging?

It is common for people to experience changes in their cognitive abilities as they age, as our brains and bodies go through the normal aging process ^[5].

Even the healthiest individuals can experience moments of forgetfulness or confusion, and while this may be frustrating, it does not greatly impair functioning in daily life, professional performance, or interpersonal relationships in the same way that symptoms of dementia can ^[6].

Signs of normal aging can include ^[5][7]:

• Occasional forgetfulness, such as misplacing items, forgetting the name of someone you knew years ago, or walking into a room and forgetting why you’re there.
• Needing reminders for appointments and activities and taking a little longer to recall information.
• Occasionally getting distracted from a task by something else or losing focus on a specific task.
• Sometimes struggling with multitasking and keeping track of several things at once.

Dementia vs normal aging: Examples

The following table includes examples of what could be considered a sign of dementia compared to what is likely a sign of normal aging.

The signs of dementia can vary from person to person and between the different types of dementia, so the following examples may not always occur, or might be to a differing degree of severity ^[3]. Similarly, other signs of dementia can occur that are not listed below.

Some of the following signs of dementia could also occur in the context of a different condition entirely, such as depression, psychosis, and other mental health disorders, certain medical conditions, and other types of cognitive impairment that do not classify as dementia ^[4].

As such, if you experience any of the listed signs of dementia, seek professional advice to receive an appropriate and correct diagnosis.

When to seek treatment

If you are experiencing any of the above warning signs and are concerned that they could be related to dementia rather than normal aging, it is advised to seek professional advice as early as possible ^[2]. A doctor can help you to determine if these signs are due to dementia and provide an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan for you.

Although there is no cure for dementia, there are various treatment options that can help to reduce the severity of your symptoms and help with living with dementia. Treatment for dementia may include ^[8][9]:

• Medication: Medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine are often prescribed to help reduce the symptoms of dementia and improve quality of life. Antidepressants may be prescribed to help manage emotional distress that can occur with dementia.
• Therapy: Talking therapy can be useful in the earlier stages of dementia, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as it can provide a better understanding of the condition and symptoms, coping strategies to help manage emotional distress that may arise, and support to people and their families who are dealing with a dementia diagnosis.
• Care: In the later stages of dementia, daily functioning may become more challenging, so support may be required, either in the home or in a facility, to manage certain aspects of daily life such as eating, bathing, dressing, and movement.
• Self-help: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent a worsening of dementia-like symptoms, improve physical wellbeing, and maintain brain health. Healthy lifestyle habits include eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising, and avoiding alcohol. Cognitive activities, such as word puzzles, can also help to keep the brain engaged and challenged, potentially reducing cognitive decline.